By Laurie Hill
The Capitola Beach Festival invites you to Soquel Creek, surf, sand, and the wharf for a fun-filled weekend. Plan to immerse yourself in activities that encourage you to linger and play at Capitola Beach.
Some of these 14 activities require some advance planning, such as decorating a barge for the Lighted Nautical Parade.
Gather friends and family, rummage through your strings of holiday lights, design and decorate a barge and float it down the creek in the dark.
Add music, a whimsical story and enjoy the applause. You have a chance to win the $1,000 Grand Prize for your favorite charity.
Your parade entry guarantees bragging rights and memories of a unique Capitola experience. The festival provides a barge, building site and a great sound system. Space is limited.
There are also events to compete in:
- The Lil 3 Miler: A family friendly three-mile fun run. Sign up at WharftoWharf.com
- Paddleboard Races: Both standup and prone, long course or just a jaunt around the wharf. How about a timed swim around Capitola Wharf? Sign up at paddleguru.com
- Horseshoes in the Sand: A free tournament is free that fills up quickly. Sign up at capitolabeachfestival.com.
Do you prefer to be spontaneous? On Sept. 26 you can build a sand sculpture and compete for a prize, play corn hole on the beach, children’s art, or challenge your brain with a Scavenger Hunt.
The Beach Cowboys band performs on the Esplanade stage. The Nautical Parade’s lights and laughs commence at 7 p.m., capped off with a drone show in front of the Venetians.
The Sept. 27 come-as-you-are events include a Fishing Derby (bring your poles), Ukuleles in Esplanade Park, and Chalk Art for all on the Seawall.
The festival ends with Rowboat Races on Soquel Creek, which are fun to watch or compete in.
Capitola Beach Festival is coming.
Plan ahead or just drop in for the fun.
For event details: Capitolabeachfestival.com.